Researchers Find Body Clock of Lung Cells Makes Asthma and Pneumonia Medications Ineffective

A study finds our lung cells have a separate circadian rhythm that makes drugs given for asthma and pneumonia ineffective.

Researcher at the University of Manchester found the epithelial cell lining on the lung air way has an individual body clock that prevents swelling and inflammation caused by infections. These cells have special molecules called CXCL5 that control the release of immune cells to combat infectious reactions. During chronic inflammation, these cells lose their body clock and become unresponsive to common medications prescribed for respiratory diseases like asthma and pneumonia.  This finding may assist development of new treatment strategies for lung diseases, say the experts.

The scientists also discovered glucocorticoid, a hormone produced by adrenalin glands, is essential in regulating level of inflammation in cells covering the airway.

"This hormone works through the glucocorticoid receptor, a major regulator of gene expression. We wanted to find out therefore if glucocorticoid medicines, like prednisolone or dexamethasone would also show a time of day effect, and our research shows they do," said David Ray, study author and professor at the University of Manchester in a news release.

Their study confirmed a direct link between internal body clock and occurrence of diseases including asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease. The authors say that the circadian cycle and time of day affects our body's ability to fight against bacterial infections and serious breathing disorders. Our bodies are accustomed to a standard wake-sleep pattern, therefore, it becomes difficult to adapt to different sleep schedule or shift work.

"We live in a world that is divided into day and night. As a result our behavior varies by time of day; we sleep at night, and are active, and eat during the day. Increasingly our lives are disconnected from this ancient rhythm," said Prof Ray.

These findings highlight the importance of sleep in boosting immunity and averting risk of early mortality from fatal health conditions.

More information is available online in the journal Nature Medicine.

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